Another Chance To Say... [ON HOLD]

Sugar And Spice And Everything Nice

Just as he did the day before, Gael stayed up late and woke up early, just wanting to hold his girlfriend, stare at her face, memorize everything about her. When she finally said she loved him back, it was as if his heart stopped beating. He never cared if he ever heard those words from a woman before. He heard it all the time; heard women say it to him after he made them reach their climax. He heard them say it like they were just saying 'thank you, I had a great time.' He heard it so much that the words have lost their meaning. It was different with Sabine. He was willing to wait for her to finally feel ready to say it to him, but unbeknownst to her, he felt if he never heard her say it out loud to him, his life would be incomplete. He felt like he would like to never hear anyone say it to him ever if Sabine never ever said those magic words to him. He cried when he heard her say it; Sabine was so pure, so sincere, every word she says she meant. He picked her up and spun her around, the happiest night of his life so far. He said it back to her so many times, punctuating each time with a kiss on the lips.

And now here they were, cuddled underneath the covers, her one arm draped over her chest, a hand lightly resting on the opposite shoulder, while the other was wrapped around his waist. Her mouth was slightly opened, her breathing even. He looked as thick dark lashes fanned over her creamy white cheeks, Her hair was coming out of it's ponytail, and he couldn't help but stroke the soft strands, tucking them back behind her ears. She shifted in her sleep at his touch, closing her mouth and snuggling closer to him. He smiled and pulled her closer, never wanting this moment to end. He never understood what peace meant until that moment, that moment of quiet when all he can hear is her breathing and the soft beating of his heart against his chest, when all thoughts and worries dissipated, his focus solely on the angelic creature laying in his arms. He couldn't help himself, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, holding his lips against the skin there, lips just touching the spot, his nostrils breathing in the scent of her hair.

"I love you, Sab."

"Hmmm?" he heard her stir.

"It's okay, babe, go back to sleep. It's still early."

"Babe, what time is it?" she said sleepily, her face still buried on his chest.

"Not yet even 6."

"Okay. You go back to sleep, too, babe," she mumbled.

"I'm okay."

"Don't worry, I'm right here. I won't disappear if you close your eyes," she joked lightly.

Gael smiled. He rested his chin on top of her head and closed his eyes. He was the one who always wanted to protect Sabine, the one to make sure she was taken care of, but with her arms wrapped tightly around him, he felt safe, secure, at rest. He fell into a deep sleep, dreamless, tranquil. When he woke up next, it was because she was tracing the freckles on the bridge of his nose with the pad of her fingertip. She smiled when he opened his eyes.

"Good morning," she said.

"Good morning, my love," he replied, kissing the hand that hovered over his face. "Do you want to order some breakfast?"

"No, that's okay. I have to get going soon. I have to go to class today. You go ahead and get breakfast for yourself, though," she started to move away from him, but he held on to her upper arms, keeping her in place.

"Do you really have to?" he groaned.

"Yes. I already missed a day yesterday," she giggled. "I'll just have my pan de sal dipped in coffee when I get home."

"Babe, can I join you for breakfast?"

"Of course you can, silly," she pinched the bridge of his nose and stood up from the bed finally. "Bed. Soft and comfortable. I will miss you," she touched the mattress playfully.